Posts Tagged ‘Robert California’

Take a look at the promotional features for this week’s episode of The Office, Turf War. The episode will debut on Thursday, May 3 2012 @ 9:00pm eastern time on Global[ Canada] and NBC[USA]

Episode Synopsis: Andy gears up for his comeback at Dunder Mifflin. Meanwhile, a boozy Robert California closes a nearby branch, creating a turf war when Jim and Dwight are pitted against another salesman.[ TV Guide]

What strategy or techniques will Andy employ to return to Dunder Mifflin? Is there a particular crisis in Robert’s life which has caused him to be drunk at work? With the nearby branch closing, how will Jim and Dwight respond to the competition brought forth by the new salesman.Will they secure their prominence within the sales division? Share your thoughts and speculations in the comments section below.

Indeed, NBC’S The Office has faced a great deal of changes in its current eighth season with Steve Carrell having departed from the role of Michael Scott which ultimately led to the introduction of James Spader’s character, Robert California as the CEO of Sabre causing Ed Helm’s character, Andy Bernard to take on the role of regional manager of the Scranton branch . Now the comedic series faces the prospect of having a new version created if it is renewed for a ninth season. According to a report from Deadline, executive producer Greg Daniels will soon be meeting with executives at NBC network to discuss the possibility of the new version which would include the show’s existing characters as well as new ones.

While the spinoff would ideally include all of the show’s current characters, actors John Krasinski[ Jim], Jenna Fischer[Pam, BJ Novak[ Ryan] and Ed Helms[ Andy] are still negotiating contracts for the potential forthcoming season. Both Krasinski and Helms have films lined up which would require reduced number of episodes to accommodate their involvement with film productions. At the same time, Raiin Wilson is expected to depart from the show to star in a Dwight based spinoff which is currently scheduled to debut in early 2013.James Spader would not appear as Robert California as the actor announced in Februry 2012 that he has decided to leave his post at The Office. Obviously many of these factors will need to be given consideration as a new direction for the show is considered.

What are your thoughts on a new version of The Office and what differences would you like to see to this version. Particularly, what types of characters would you like to see in this new version?How do you think Raiin Wilsons absence and the possible reduced roles of Krasinki and Helms would impact the show?

Indeed, Actor James Spader will be joining the cast for the Office’s upcoming eighth season, reports Entertainment Weekly.Spader, who appeared in the season seven finale of The Office as Robert California, a manipulative yet awkward genius, who was a potential candidate for replacing Scott’s role as the regional manager of the Scranton branch.

According to executive producer, Paul Liberstein, “He’ll have been hired over the summer as the new manager, but within hours, got himself promoted. Within days, he took over the company”.

In another follow up interview ,Liberstein commented that although Spader’s character has a position at corporate, he will still be seen a great deal at the Scranton branch.However, the extent of the character’s involvement may vary from episode to episode.”Sometimes he’s in a couple of scenes, and some episodes he’s not in — but some he’s in a lot,” Lieberstein says. “I think family is a big draw for him. We’re saying he’s from the [Scranton] area, so he spends a lot of time supervising this branch.”

Liberstein also commented on the experience involved in having Spader join the cast, indicating that” the actor has an energy that is completely his own, and The Office has no tools for dealing with this guy. We’re thrilled he’s joining our cast”.

Spader, of course has previously appeared as the daring and provocative attorney, Alan Shore in The Practice and in its spinoff series, Boston Legal, where he was bestowed with three Emmy awards for his portrayal of the character.

Spader’s arrival marks the departure of actress, Kathy Bates who had portrayed the role of Sabre’s CEO, Jo Bennet ,during The Office’s sixth and seventh seasons. Though the character of Jo’s unique personality and strong enthusiasm may be missed by The Office fans, the actress can be seen on NBC’S Harry’s Law which was recently renewed for a second season.

Given that Robert California will have been promoted, there is also still no word on who will the regional manager of the Scranton branch. The characters of Jim, Darryl and Andy are likely possibilities , according to Liberstein.

What are your thoughts on how Spader’s character will rise up the ladder so quickly and how do you think this will influence both the company and the storytelling on The Office.Based on what we saw last season, what are your thoughts on how he will interact with the employees of the Scranton branch.

What is your reaction towards Barry’s departure? Who would you like to see take over the Scranton Branch and why? Sound off in the comments section, below!